The first half of our century, both world wars, the parades in Nuremberg and Moscow, the appearance of Roosevelt and Churchill an the scene - all captured in the memory of generations in classic black and white. Other hitherto little-known film material, however, has remained extant in film archives and in private collections. Hitler's mistress Eva Braun, his pilot Hans Bauer, Roosevelt's son-in-law and several German army cameramen had a common interest: They filmed history in color, whether to private purposes or to document historic events. SPIEGEL TV has partial exclusive access to this unique film material and has produced this documentary for the expiry of the 20th century on the cameramen and their color films, covering the 12 year period. Some of the spectacular shots can be viewed for the first time in this documentary series. Hitler's abrupt visit to occupied Paris in 1940, his meeting with Moussolini in Berlin and Rome, his first major debut at the "Day of Potsdam" in 1933. Color films of concentration camp-prisoners at forced labor, of the executions of partisans in occupied Jugoslavia, of secret experiments with the legendary V2 - all document the crimes and fanatical madness of the Nazis. Color films of the invasion of Normandy and of Roosevelt's political discussions bear witness to the victorious battle against barbarity.
Opening with some of the earliest color motion picture images ever filmed-of a victory parade in Paris at the end of World War I-this episode takes viewers from the years leading up to the outbreak of the Second World War, through the Nazi invasion of Poland that triggered Britain's and France's declaration of war on Germany, to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway. Among the many scenes captured by color footage are life in Depression-era America; huge Nazi rallies in pre-war Germany; the sinking of a British merchant ship six weeks into the war and the rescue effort mounted by a passing American vessel; civilian refugees streaming along the roads of occupied France; the devastation at Pearl Harbor as photographed by a Navy film unit working for Hollywood director John Ford; and the U.S. victory over the Japanese at Midway—the decisive sea battle of the Pacific war.
The second episode focuses on the years 1942 to 1944, from the massive buildup of America's military and industrial capabilities to preparations for D-Day. Among the many images captured in color are the mobilization of women and African Americans on the industrial home front and in the military; the internment of Japanese Americans; American troops landing in North Africa, and tank battles in the North African desert; training of African-American aviators at Alabama's Tuskegee Institute; the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto; activity behind Nazi lines in Yugoslavia, and Yugoslavian resistance fighters helping downed U.S. airmen; and the boarding of troops onto landing craft bound for Normandy, scene of what was to be the largest amphibious invasion in history.
The third episode focuses on the European theater during the months between D-Day, in June 1944, and V-E Day, in May 1945. Among the many scenes captured by color footage are the seizure, two days before D-Day, of a German U-boat carrying Enigma code machines; the massive Allied assault on the beaches at Normandy; the jubilant welcome received by G.I.s after the liberation of Paris; freed American POWs burning their prison; Red Cross "doughnut girls"; the first Jewish Sabbath service conducted at the just-liberated Dachau concentration camp; and V-E Day celebrations following Germany's surrender.
The series concludes by covering America's efforts to win the war in the Pacific. Among the many scenes captured by color footage are U.S. troops staging a dawn landing on tiny but strategically important Tarawa; the U.S. attack on Iwo Jima and the raising of the American flag on Mount Surabachi; the desperate fight to save the U.S.S. Franklin after the aircraft carrier is hit and set on fire by armor-piercing bombs 50 miles from Japan; U.S. aircraft carriers under attack by kamikaze pilots during the battle for Okinawa; the funeral procession for President Roosevelt following his sudden death in April 1945; the devastation wrought on Hiroshima by the atomic bomb; the Japanese surrender aboard the U.S.S. Missouri; and celebrations in the streets of New York marking the end of the war.
In downtown Ottawa, behind an unassuming brick building, Canadian firefighters from across the country have come together for a special mission, to serve in war-town England. Once over there, Senior Fireman Denis Posten writes home, describing a "horrible night on duty". Victory and Beyond, the third and final episode of Canada's War in Colour, celebrates the role of Canadians in the eventual defeat of the Nazis. Colour film footage shows Canadians in the Italian campaign, punctuated by letters home from none other than author Farley Mowat, who offers his first-hand observations of battle. Also featured is home movie footage shot by nursing sister Maxine Slemon, of a field hospital in Italy. Percy Jacobson, a Montreal businessman whose observations have been included throughout Canada's War in Colour. Percy's son Joe becomes an airman, who participates in the bombing raids over Germany. Colour film footage shows what it was like to partake in the air raids, and the devastation that followed, eventually leading to the defeat of the Nazis. Back home, many Canadians continue to do their part, buying War Savings Stamps and holding fundraisers. In Whitby and Oshawa, society ladies gather for a picnic to raise funds for the war, and to listen to the musical styling of the local RCAF band. In "cottage country" across Canada, POWs are whisked away into hidden camps that will remain throughout the war. A handful of German prisoners will escape – never to be found. On June 6, 1944, the Allies head towards France's Normandy Coast. It is D-Day. Amazingly, colour film footage of the operation exists – and shows Canadians in action. Percy Jacobson notes in his diary, "I wonder if I am dreaming", as the Allies defeat the Germans in this pivotal battle. Two months later, Paris is liberated, then Holland, in April 1945. Canadian troops make their way into Germany, and find that not much is left of the Third Reich. Horrific colour film footage shows not only the
